USM athletics staff to move forward after Tyndall scandal

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - Donnie Tyndall brought a winning program to Southern Miss basketball, but it came with a hefty price.

"Today is a good day. Today is a good day because it's behind us. It's over," said Bill McGillis, USM Director of Athletics.

It's over, but Southern Miss faces a three-year probation along with a reduction in scholarship opportunities.

"None of us are going to stand here and say it's been easy on us. It's been hard," said current USM head basketball coach Doc Sadler.

Today the NCAA ruling stated that Donnie Tyndall, along with other former staff members, forged coursework and facilitated cash payments for players.

"It's going to be tough and we're still going to have lessons to learn but I don't think it will be as bad as it has been for the past two years," Sadler said.

"Letting everyone know how proud I am of our players, Coach Sadler and his staff," McGillis said. "I don't think people realize the adversity they have had to face the last two years."

Part of the adversity includes the self-imposed ban that Southern Miss placed on post-season play for the past two seasons, but it helped. It satisfied the NCAA, and now the Golden Eagles can look forward to the post-season once again.

"Every type of athlete looks forward to post-season play, and now we can participate," Sadler said.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The current coaches, players and fans can start to move forward.

"It's not just going to be over with, but if they stick with us, I think we'll be able to make them proud again," Sadler said.

Smollett reported being beaten up by two men who shouted racist and anti-gay slurs and threw bleach on him. But his story fell apart when actors Smollett knew from the "Empire" set and the gym told police that Smollett paid them $3,500 to stage the attack.